CALL NOW

News Flash: No New Ideas in Bankruptcy Fraud

September 17, 2013

A woman from Barron, Wisconsin was recently charged with counts of bankruptcy fraud for concealing bankruptcy assets from creditors, transferring property to relatives, and making false declarations during bankruptcy. Cynthia Barlow, 55, was recently indicted on charges related to her bankruptcy filing that included concealing close to $19,000 while making a separate payment to a creditor totaling over $3,000.

Barlow falsely testified that she had $100 in cash on hand during a bankruptcy proceeding in February 2009. She also fraudulently omitted that she transferred roughly $12,000 to a relative, and made a payment to a creditor in the amount of $3,650. In total, investigators claim Barlow concealed $18,977.

Barlow’s charges include: concealing bankruptcy estate property from creditors and the United States Trustee; fraudulently transferring property of the bankruptcy estate: making a material false declaration in a bankruptcy proceeding, and falsely testifying under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. If convicted, for each count Barlow could face the maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Charges from this case resulted from an investigation completed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Barrow case is typical of bankruptcy fraud cases. Occasionally, a bankruptcy debtor applies the philosophy of “What the bankruptcy Trustee doesn’t know can’t hurt me.” There are several problems with this approach. First, the truth WILL be discovered. Either there is a paper trail of bank transactions or canceled checks; or an angry ex-spouse, neighbor, or business partner tells on the debtor. Second, most assets can be legally protected during a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. There is no reason to conceal anything (especially from your attorney!). Third, bankruptcy fraud is a criminal offense. Bankruptcy is meant to provide a fresh start to an honest debtor. The dishonest debtor may face federal criminal charges and be denied a discharge.

If you are contemplating hiding information, income, or assets from a bankruptcy Trustee, think twice! Your attorney can help you protect your assets legally and without danger of running afoul of the federal laws. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, the experienced bankruptcy attorneys at the Fears Nachawati Law Firm can provide you with exceptional legal guidance and education, to ensure that the bankruptcy is executed in a most efficient and law-abiding manner. For information on a free consultation, click here, or contact our office at 1.866.705.7584.

CONTACT US

Use the form below to send us a note, call us at 214.890.0711 or chat with us live. We are eager to help with all your legal needs. Please keep in mind that any unsolicited information sent through our website cannot be treated as confidential. Contacting us through this site does not create a representation relationship with Fears Nachawati.

Inquiry Type

General

Personal Injury

Immigration

Bankruptcy

Drug Litigation

Family Law

How can we help you?

Locations

With offices in Texas, Florida and Colorado and attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, Colorado, Arkansas and Oklahoma, Fears Nachawati is dedicated to attaining the best possible solutions for our clients’ business and personal needs. We strive to be professionals who are creative, empathetic and reliable.

Site Links

Contact Us

The Fears | Nachawati Law Firm delivers a range of legal services including representation of public entities, personal injury and auto accidents, bad drug and medical device cases, wrongful death, business and family law, bankruptcy, and criminal defense. We look forward to getting to know you better and becoming your legal counsel for today and beyond.